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     The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, and the Chairman of the Public Service Commission, Ms Maisie Cheng, met the media today (October 29) on Tier II investigation into the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po under the Administrative Responsibility Two-tier Investigation Mechanism. Following are their remarks:

Reporter: Will Winnie Ho be under the Commission’s investigation given that she’s at the minister’s level, and if not, what will be done to find out if she is held liable for the deadly inferno? And also, what will be done to ensure that the Commission can carry out a comprehensive probe in three months amid the involvement of a number of departments that the CE said would cover 40 to 50 people. Thank you.

Secretary for the Civil Service: I’ll answer the first question, and then Ms Cheng will answer the second question. The Heads of Department Accountability System and the Administrative Responsibility Two-tier Investigation Mechanism are designed to investigate into the personal responsibilities of civil servants. Political appointees are not meant to be within the scope of investigation under this mechanism.

Chairman of the Public Service Commission: Regarding how we can conduct the investigation in a comprehensive manner within three months, I think the most important thing is to point out that we have already had quite a number of weeks of preparation. As I mentioned before, as early as August, the Civil Service Bureau has already gradually posted different grades of civil servants to our team, and this team has already put all the effort to familiarise itself with the information, especially the abundant information made public by the Independent Committee (Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po). With all this preparatory work and also the preparatory work done by the two members (members of the Public Service Commission Mrs Ann Kung and Mr Adrian Wong) and myself in the past few months, we are very confident that although the investigation team and the support office will be officially set up today, we can commence the investigation immediately because of all the preparatory work we have done.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.) read more

     The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) said today (October 29) that the “Operation Skynet” launched on September 30, conducts special inspections and enforcement actions targeting supermarkets, restaurants, other food premises, and public markets. Over the past month, the department focused on reviewing the environmental hygiene conditions and waste management of supermarkets, restaurants, other food premises, and public markets across various districts, as well as thoroughly inspecting for signs of pest activity to identify root causes and potential risks and take appropriate enforcement action based on actual risks.

     During the operation, FEHD officers conducted a total of 1 177 inspections at supermarkets, issued 65 statutory Notices of Elimination of Vermin, 25 Notices of Requirement to Cleanse and Repair Food Premises and two warnings, and initiated 14 prosecutions; conducted a total of 432 inspections against restaurants, issued 35 statutory Notices of Elimination of Vermin, 41 Notices of Requirement to Cleanse and Repair Food Premises and six warnings, and initiated 65 prosecutions; and conducted 321 inspections against other food premises, issued 20 statutory Notices of Elimination of Vermin and 17 Notices of Requirement to Cleanse and Repair Food Premises, and initiated 24 prosecutions. During the inspections, FEHD officers found room for improvement in the processes of handling refuse and food waste as well as food storage by certain premises and shops, such as failing to properly place their waste in compliant covered waste containers and failing to properly store their food ingredients, thereby increasing the risk of pest infestations. The FEHD immediately initiated prosecutions against the persons-in-charge , and provided them with professional advice on the operational details and pest control measures. The department will continue to follow up on the improvement of the premises concerned to ensure the relevant problems have been rectified.

     Since the commencement of the special inspection operation targeting public markets in mid-October, as at October 27, FEHD officers have issued 142 statutory Notices of Elimination of Vermin, 44 Notices of Requirement to Cleanse and Repair Food Premises, 268 verbal warnings and eight warning letters, and initiated over 70 prosecutions. The operation will continue. The department will put forward specific improvement requirements to operators based on the inspection results and conduct follow-up inspections of key or problematic premises to ensure that improvement measures are not one-off measures but are implemented continuously.

     A spokesman for the FEHD said that based on the inspection results, the department will focus on actual risks, whether immediate improvements have been made, and whether the problems continue to be addressed, rather than measuring its work solely by the number of inspections conducted. If irregularities are found, the department will increase the frequency of inspections with follow-up inspections to ensure that the problems are rectified.

     Apart from inspecting public places continuously, regarding the recent rodent infestation issue at the private street at Baker Circle in Hung Hom, the FEHD has fully exercised its supervisory and supportive role by conducting a targeted anti-rodent operation late at night on October 25. The rear lane concerned is a private street within the boundary of a private residential estate, and its daily cleansing and rodent prevention work are the responsibility of the relevant property management of the estate. In view of the rodent infestation and environmental hygiene problems there, the FEHD has proactively intervened and stepped up the prevention and control work in the neighbouring public places. During the operation, the department deployed its overnight rodent control team to place trap during late-night hours and set up additional bait points in the surroundings. Meanwhile, cleansing services in nearby public places have been stepped up, which included thorough cleansing of streets and rear lanes, as well as increasing the frequency of emptying litter containers in order to cut off the food sources of rodents.

     In addition to environmental governance at the frontline, the FEHD has implemented effective administrative and technical support measures. FEHD officers have previously provided professional advice and technical support on pest and rodent control to the persons-in-charge of nearby residential estates, construction sites, and shopping malls. Focusing on source control, the FEHD has issued statutory Notices of Elimination of Vermin to the management of neighbouring restaurants and venues, requiring improvement measures to be taken within a specified period in accordance with the law to enhance efforts in rodent prevention and environmental hygiene management.

     The spokesman stressed that maintaining environmental hygiene in the community is everyone’s responsibility. Pest control and food safety protection rely on the concerted efforts of the Government, the trade and the public. The FEHD will continue to monitor the hygiene conditions of various food premises through a multipronged approach, combining risk-based inspections with publicity, education and community collaboration. Should irregularities be found, the department will take appropriate enforcement action in accordance with the law to diligently perform its gatekeeping rolein protecting food safety and safeguarding environmental hygiene for the public. read more

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (October 29) expressed his warm congratulations for the successful conclusion of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Beijing. The session deliberated and adopted the Resolution of the Central Committee of the CPC on Certain Major Issues concerning Persevering with Full and Rigorous Party Self-Governance.
 
     In the opening year of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, the CPC Central Committee, from the strategic perspective of consolidating its long-term governing position and realising the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, made major strategic plans for persevering with full and rigorous self-governance of the party. The strategic plans fully demonstrate the historic initiative of the Central Committee with President Xi Jinping at its core in building a great party and a great country, underlining the firm determination and clear stance of taking forward the CPC’s great self-reform. It is of great significance and far-reaching impact.
 
     The communique of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee stated that the session emphasised the need to persevere in advancing full and rigorous self-governance of the CPC. The party must continuously strive to purify, improve, renew and excel itself, and constantly strengthen its capacity in providing political leadership, giving theoretical guidance, organising the people and inspiring society. The session stressed the importance of adhering to the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability; fully and faithfully applying the new development philosophy on all fronts; moving faster to foster a new pattern of development; making full and proper use of macro policies; tapping deeper into the potential of domestic demand; further deepening reform and opening-up; pursuing sustained and high-quality economic growth driven by innovation; ensuring the fulfilment of the major targets for this year’s economic and social development; securing a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan; co-ordinating development and security; and striving unwaveringly to advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernisation.
 
     Mr Lee said that he was encouraged and inspired by the session. He said that exercising full and rigorous self-governance bears on the CPC’s leadership capability and the country’s governance capacity, and is of important guiding significance to the governance of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Since assuming office, the Chief Executive has been building a government team with a result-oriented approach and has all along emphasised that reform is an ongoing endeavour and never-ending. The HKSAR Government must closely integrate the spirit of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee with Hong Kong’s actual circumstances, continue to improve and reform itself, continuously enhance governance efficiency, strengthen the development of the governance team, and improve institutional mechanisms to better respond to public concerns. The HKSAR Government will take forward such measures as incorporating the requirement of full rigour throughout the entire process of the HKSAR’s governance, and better co-ordinating development and security. 
 
     The HKSAR Government is fully committed to implementing Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan and transforming the strategic plans into tangible outcomes for the city’s high-quality development. The HKSAR Government will continue to fully and faithfully implement the principle of “one country, two systems” and, with the strong support of the Central Authorities, unite all sectors of the community to earnestly study and implement well the spirit of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, leverage the strength and value of “patriots administering Hong Kong”, and fulfil Hong Kong’s responsibilities, seize Hong Kong’s opportunities and make Hong Kong’s contributions in the country’s continuous progress of building a great country and achieving national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernisation. read more

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, together with the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC; the Deputy Financial Secretary and Acting Secretary for Housing, Mr Michael Wong; the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung; the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn; and the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, held a press conference today (October 29) on matters relevant to the report of the Independent Committee in relation to the fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po. Following are Mr Lee’s remarks at the press conference:

Reporter: My first question: the reform you have just mentioned is basically replacing bureaucracy with another bureaucracy without any fundamental changes, how would you convince the public that your reform can fundamentally change the current landscape and reassure us of our safety? And for my second question, you mentioned that there will be administrative accountability to be pursued. But drawing on lessons from the precedent of the Lamma Island ferry disaster, some civil servants were held criminally liable for their negligence. Would the Government consider also laying prosecution against some of the civil servants who were found negligent in the days leading to the fire? Thank you.

Chief Executive: First of all, I do not agree with your initial remark that this is just another bureaucracy. I have given you great details in regard to seven areas of reform and measures. If you look at the Independent Committee’s report, and also have been following the Independent Committee’s hearings, you will realise that the beginning of all these things started with corrupt bid-rigging, with the infiltration of triad members and unlawful elements who take advantage of the lack of professional knowledge of residents when they have to face decisions as to who to really employ as inspectors, supervisors, and contractors. The reforms that we roll out now are comprehensive reforms. We are restructuring departments so that they will enforce both inspection and also take legal action seriously. It will also turn the system, which was created some 14 years ago, proposed by the Government and discussed with law enacted in the LegCo (Legislative Council), which places strong emphasis on both the responsible persons, particular professionals, contractors and supervisors, as well as the Government, to take its regulatory roles. We see in this case a series of things happening that resulted in this tragedy, and the things that we are rolling out now address each and every one of them. On the basis of the 120 recommendations that the Independent Committee has recommended, we have added more. We have done something, which is that in addition to the 120 recommendations, there are seven recommendations among the 120 which the committee has asked us to implement immediately. We have implemented all these seven recommendations immediately. In addition to these seven, we have already rolled out some measures, a lot of which, when you look at the Independent Committee’s report, converge (with the recommendations). That means the determination of the Government to really address and improve the situation so as not to allow future tragedies to happen is serious, and also in the same thinking line with the Independent Committee. So I will earnestly request each one of you to pay attention to what we are rolling out, and I’m taking my full team, particularly the major responsible secretaries, here to explain to you the overall reform framework. 

     Also, we are also arranging two additional press briefings tomorrow in response to two themes. We just want to let everybody know in detail, and I would really urge each one of you to thoroughly read through the thick book of the Independent Committee’s report, and also to listen in detail to this press conference and the follow-up press conferences that we will hold in order to let everybody know that we are so serious to reform everything. In fact, all these will be explained in further details when we propose amendments to the legislation. I’m sure that there will be more debates in the LegCo, and we will be happy to listen to the views of LegCo members so that we together will ensure that the system is fully reformed so as not to allow any possible similar incidents happening in future. 

     But if you look at all the systems that we are facing, you can see that some systems were created in the third-term Government, some in the fourth-term Government, so it is a series of developments that eventually led to the present systems which we are all in. The tragedy has indicated that despite the developments over the years, despite the changes that different terms of government may have imposed into them, the Independent Committee’s report, thankfully, has thoroughly examined the weaknesses of the present systems, and we are serious in ensuring that all these weaknesses and inadequacies are fully addressed, and elements are strengthened so as not to allow similar things to happen again. That is why we will enact a new law on making it a criminal offense for bid-rigging in respect of building renovation works. We will form this task force, which will allow law enforcement agencies to actively take part, to make use of the strongest power under the LegCo, where, when we suspect somebody is doing something bad, he can actually be called to give evidence, and to give information before the law enforcement agencies. This is something which indicates our strong will to ensure that the systems become healthy again. When the Public Service Commission conducts its investigations, if they come across anything which they think need to be referred to law enforcement agencies, it will be. They will, and I think that will be a duty. 

     But we also have to be fair to the investigation. We should not make prejudgment on what things will develop, because I want to highlight to you what the Independent Committee in its report has said in regard to what the committee has observed, and at the same time, what they want to remind us together. The Independent Committee has identified inadequacies and shortcomings. But the Independent Committee has also pointed out that while the four relevant departments have deficiency and shortcomings, they also have affirmed in its report that many civil servants are diligent and conscientious, always putting the public interest at the forefront. The report also said that international rankings also prove this point. Hong Kong ranks second globally in terms of government efficiency. What I meant to say is that despite the deficiency and shortcomings of this number of civil servants, we should not allow them to obscure the good performance and the passion of the civil service at large to serve the public and do a good job. The Independent Committee’s report also said that it is pleased that the Government took prompt measures after the fire to address some of the problems revealed by this tragedy. And it said that this is an indication of good governance by the Government. Right, the four departments have been discovered to have deficiency and inadequacies. However, first of all, don’t let them obscure the overall good performance of the whole government. I think we have to be fair to the whole civil service. Also, while the system needs to be reformed, we, the Government, are determined to reform it comprehensively and do it fast. That is why we roll out measures when the Independent Committee was conducting its full investigation, and we work on the basis of the recommendations throughout these comprehensive reform programmes.

Reporter: Why is Winnie Ho the only Principal Official that is held accountable, even though other departments are also found to have deficiencies? And will the Government look for a future successor, given that the current administration’s term is going to end next year? And in what ways will the raft of reforms help to restore the public’s confidence as well as trust with the Government? Thank you.

Chief Executive: The fire resulted in the death of 168 people, including a fireman who lost his life while bravely fighting the fire. It has caused pain and sorrow to the affected families and the community. The political team will take political accountability, and I have considered a wide range of factors, including the official’s role in the matter, the official’s policy portfolio and its relation with the incident, whether the problems relate to policy or execution, the performance of the subordinates, the large amount of work the political team will have to do in the time ahead. Considering that the fire took place in Wang Fuk Court and it falls within the purview of the Housing Department’s ICU (Independent Checking Unit), which is under the Housing Bureau, the Secretary for Housing should take political accountability. 

     I also set out two requirements for the political team. First, continue in their respective position to exert the utmost efforts amidst the reforms and the substantial amount of work ahead. Second, learn from the incident, strengthen leadership more strongly, and pursue more vigorously result-oriented governance. I have made this political decision after considering all the factors and also the two requirements that I have set out for my political team. I balance all these factors, and I think if we understand how we approach this problem, then maybe you will understand how I make the overall decision. Because there are five things that we must do in this matter. 

     First of all, we must pursue criminal liability to ensure those responsible could not escape justice, and justice could be done. Second, the political team has made a clear position that will show the political accountability and make a decision, explaining in detail how I consider the range of factors to come to this decision. The third is to ensure that we will also pursue administrative accountability, hence the setting up of the independent investigation team under the Public Service Commission, in accordance with the Heads of Department Accountability System, which I set up. And the fourth thing is to ensure that we will take good care of the affected families, to ensure that they will also be provided with long-term accommodation arrangements. And the fifth, the most important thing, is to ensure that we reform the whole system to ensure that we will not allow a similar tragedy to take place. 

     It is a decision that I make after considering all these factors. I have explained to you in detail, and I hope that after you have read in detail the Independent Committee’s report, which talks about the 120 recommendations, how we seriously implement them, and what, in addition to the 120 recommendations, we do more, such as revamping the complaint system, ensuring that complaints are not just handled at the departmental level, but all will be upgraded to the central system, with senior officials in the centre using a system of AI to identify repeated problems, to identify, probably complaints we don’t think are handled to the best degree as we would like. And also, we will be improving training among the civil service to ensure that they will be doing the service with a full mindset of serving the public, and also implement it fully, my governance philosophy of a result-oriented governance. So, this is a very comprehensive reform with different areas of new measures, and you can see that we are doing all these things despite that some of the systems actually originated many years ago, and we are doing a comprehensive reform rather than just bits and pieces measures.

Reporter: Have you discussed with the Central Government about those reform measures? If not, will you report these measures to the President during your annual duty visit to Beijing? And second one is, you said you take responsibility as the leader of the city. As such kind of tragedy happened during your term, would you seek a re-election in the future? Thank you.

Chief Executive: I am the Chief Executive. I am the person responsible for running the Government. I take full responsibility to ensure that things are run well. All the measures and the reforms come from the collective decision and deliberation within the Government on the basis of the recommendations of the Independent Committee’s report. The second thing is, each year I report to the leader in Beijing, and we’ll do it in accordance with the usual way of reporting what is necessary. The third thing is, it is important that we do not allow similar tragedy to happen. This is the number one priority in implementing this comprehensive reform. That should be the only goal, and that should be the only thinking. We have no personal thinking in this matter. We have people’s interests close to our heart. We would love to listen to more views from the public about how we will further improve the system, because we have only one goal and only one purpose: to reform comprehensively, so that the tragedy will not happen again. Only this purpose, and only this thinking.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)

  

     The Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) has received a generous donation from Dr Kössen Ho, which comprises over 340 precious artefacts from his Hua-e Jiaohui Lou collection. This diverse collection encompasses bamboo and wood carvings, Chinese painting and calligraphy, ink rubbings and textiles, with modern bamboo carvings forming the largest category. It also marks the largest gift of bamboo carvings to a local museum since 1985. The HKMoA is launching the “On Ink and Bamboo: The Hua-e Jiaohui Lou Donation” exhibition starting from tomorrow (October 30), which features about 200 selected sets of artworks from the donation, demonstrating the refined elegance of bamboo-carving art.
      
     Speaking at the exhibition opening cum donation ceremony held today (October 29), the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, said that Dr Ho entrusted the fruits of his lifelong devotion to the museum, transforming his private treasures into public heritage. Building upon the historical lineage of the museum’s existing collection of Ming and Qing bamboo carvings, the donation of modern bamboo carvings fills a gap in the study of modern Chinese bamboo craftsmanship. Not only does it establish the HKMoA’s prominent position in the field of research and promotion of bamboo carving, it also further reaffirms the museum as a premier home for local collections.
      
     Dr Ho said that the HKMoA continually strives for excellence, with its innovative approach to exhibition curation having earned widespread acclaim. Following the previous donation of Ming, Qing, and 20th-century bamboo wares by Dr Ip Yee, this latest gift further enhances the museum’s collection of bamboo and wood carvings. He hopes this contribution will help advance the display, education, and promotion of bamboo and wood carving art, as well as foster cultural and creative development.
      
     Other officiating guests included the Chairman of the Art Sub-committee of the Museum Advisory Committee, Professor Desmond Hui; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan; and the Museum Director of the HKMoA, Dr Maria Mok.
      
     Dr Ho began building his private Hua-e Jiaohui Lou collection in 1997. Beyond mere acquisition, he actively participates in the conception, design and supervision of the production of bamboo and wood carvings, drawing inspiration from Chinese painting masterpieces and antiquities within his own collection. The brush pot carved with plum blossom and camellia from Song “Hundred Flowers” in liuqing low relief, a set of wrist-rests carved with Pu Ru’s “Flowers in Autumn Garden” in liuqing low relief and more are fine examples that not only showcase exceptional craftsmanship of bamboo and wood carving, but also reflect his unique philosophy in collecting and appreciating this art form.
      
     The exhibition breaks new ground by employing dynamic lighting and features an immersive art installation of a virtual bamboo grove, highlighting the techniques and historical development of bamboo carving through animated projections, which illustrate how artisans refine timeless beauty from humble materials. In the exhibition’s dedicated educational corner, visitors are invited to create their own rubbings of motifs from the exhibits, taking home a memento of their visit.

     The exhibition will run from October 30, 2026, to April 7, 2027, at the Chinese Antiquities Gallery on the third floor of the HKMoA (10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon). Admission is free. For details of the exhibition, please visit the website at hk.art.museum/en/web/ma/exhibitions-and-events/on-ink-and-bamboo.html.